Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time

After the very sharp, very “Vacheron” looking chronograph and time-only models of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas models that were launched this time last year (see: Vacheron Constantin Overseas: Dressed in Grey, 04/16/09), 2010 sees the launch of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time. The watch will be available with a grey croc strap as well as a black rubber one. The Dual Time uses Vacheron’s automatic caliber 1222 with a soft-iron antimagnetic inner case. The price on this particular piece is likely to be in the $15,000 – $18,000 range by my estimation.

My only nit-pick about this watch is its date sub-dial — it is quite poorly designed. And in fact this poor design is nothing new – no fewer than 11 different Vacheron Constantin models use this same sub-dial design. However on this particular watch it looks even more striking in comparison to the much more minimalistic dual-time sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position. What do I mean by poor design? Well, as I’ve highlighted below, you can see that the days 1-31 appear very crowded on the sub-dial – and most oddly the “1” looks like it almost got squeezed right off the dial! Makes no sense whatsoever to me. Sure it is a small detail, but discerning buyers of a watch of this high a caliber have good reason to obsessed with little details such as this.

Lest I end on too sour a note (particularly for those of you not familiar with the brand), I will point out that Vacheron Constantin is one of the pre-eminent watch makers today, right up there with Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and others — generally speaking, a Vacheron Constantin is second to none!

Stefan L.

Gotta say — I love that bezel, too! Very unique!

BrandScottK

I am shocked at the “mistake” on the date dial. Absolutely stunning that VC would do this. A pre-eminent brand and watchmaker should not be able to get away with this. At $!5-18k, you are damn right we demand perfection. Absurd. It ruins an otherwise fine timepiece.

AP

Just bought this watch – responding to the comment above that the dial is a “mistake”.

Not sure. I think it was a cosmetic decision. Would not look good in my eye if the 1 followed another 1 in 31. That’s my guess at least.